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The profession of translation is rather misunderstood outside the circles where language professionals operate. This article discusses 3 common misconceptions about translation that are still (alas!) very widespread, as well as 3 reasons to use the services of a translation firm (although we could mention many others!).

 

1^st common misconception about a translation firm: A good translator translates into several languages.

It’s true that translators are very interested in languages, and naturally, there are many who can speak several. But it’s not enough to speak a language to create professional-quality translations. In reality, the vast majority of translators work in a single language that they have mastered perfectly, which corresponds to their mother tongue.

 

1^st reason to use the services of a translation firm: By relying on professionals, you’ll get accurate translations.

In addition to being familiar with the source language, a translator must master all the subtleties of the target language. They must also know different techniques for translation and terminological research. This knowledge is acquired through university-level studies in translation and several years of practice. A reputable translation firm hires qualified translators to provide you with translations that perfectly recreate all the nuances of meaning in the original text.

 

2^nd common misconception: You just have to be bilingual to translate documents.

When you have a text in another language before your eyes, it’s very hard not to be influenced by its style and phrasing. The natural tendency is to translate word-for-word. A bilingual person who hasn’t studied translation thus risks producing a translation that’s overly “stuck on” the original text and that “feels” like a translation.

 

2^nd reason to use the services of a translation firm: Professional translators will produce idiomatic texts.

A good translation shouldn’t just be accurate. It should also be “idiomatic” – that is, it should correspond to the way people naturally express themselves in the language in question. Translators who work for a translation firm are familiar with the different adaptation techniques that lead to translations that are both accurate and idiomatic.

 

3^rd common misconception about a translation firm: With technology, translators will soon no longer be necessary.

There are now machine translation programs that are constantly improving. It’s therefore only a matter of time before these technologies wind up replacing translators, isn’t it? Well, if that’s what you believe, you’ve got the wrong idea! Even the most advanced software can never generate translations that are properly suited to the culture and realities of the readers.

 

3^rd reason to use the services of a translation firm: A professional translation agency offers human service that’s attentive to your needs.

By doing business with a translation firm, you’ll get much more than accurate, idiomatic translations: you’ll get human service that’s attentive to your realities. In addition, some translation agencies now offer 360° solutions for all your language services needs, which makes them essential business partners!

 

Are you curious to know how a translation firm can help you reach your goals? SLRR Translation Agency has the answers you need!

 

 

We already know that selling products online is the way of the future. Consumers don’t always go to the store to see a product before buying it. Writing product descriptions has become a major issue for businesses who want to charm potential customers and stand out in the vast digital universe. This post presents the three essential characteristics of effective product descriptions.

 

The 1^st Characteristic of an Effective Product Description: Catchiness

Writing product descriptions should not be taken lightly; it is a key component of marketing strategies aiming to boost sales. The goal is to convert visitors into buyers on your website. Your product descriptions must be catchy so that you stand out, especially if similar products are sold on other sites.

Pictures of the products sold are included on most transactional sites. But product descriptions should not be limited to describing what can already be seen in the image—they need to go further. Yes, you should provide practical information about the product (its usefulness, its characteristics, etc.), but the description must also elicit emotions, captivate the imagination and stir up dreams. In short, the description must charm its readers!

 

The 2^nd Characteristic of an Effective Description: Clarity

A good product description must be clear and easy to understand. Ask yourself who your customers are. Are they ordinary consumers? If so, the person to whom you entrust the writing of product descriptions must be careful not to use too much technical jargon. Your product descriptions must remain accessible to your target audience.

On the other hand, pay attention to the keywords used in the search engine optimization of your site. Think of words that users are likely to enter when searching online. (They will not necessarily be the technical terms that your business uses.)

 

The 3^rd Characteristic of an Effective Product Description: Conciseness

With the amount of information available online, people’s attention is increasingly difficult to capture and hold. Product descriptions must give all the necessary information while using as few words as possible. There is no need to give complete instructions for using your product. Stick to the essentials.

Remember that people often read diagonally. To help users quickly locate what interests them, product descriptions should be well structured and contain subtitles, bullet points, etc. Ideally, you hook readers from the very first words.

 

But how do you make sure your product descriptions are catchy, clear and concise? To give yourself the best chance for success, enlist SLRR’s professional product description writing service!

 

 

Like its population, Montréal has a dynamic, diversified economy. The translation market has carved out an enviable place for itself in recent decades, which has earned the metropolis the nickname of the “translation capital of Canada.” This article presents some facts in brief about the growth of the translation market in Montréal.

 

The traditional translation market in Montréal

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, Canada alone holds 10% of the global translation market. About half of the Canadian industry is based in Quebec, where the translation market accounts for nearly 2.5 billion dollars. If it has developed such a substantial translation market, this is in large part due to Canada’s Official Languages Act, which will celebrate its 50^th anniversary in 2019. This law created a high demand for translation into both official languages, especially for the government. In fact, it’s estimated that the government market accounts for one-third of the translation market in the country. Translation agencies in Montréal continue this tradition today by offering their services to the different levels of government. However, budget cuts in the public sector have encouraged agencies to diversify their offerings and to turn more to the private sector.

 

Globalization and translation

With globalization, we’re noticing that foreign languages such as Spanish and Mandarin are increasingly in demand. Translation agencies in Montréal must therefore adapt and expand their offerings to include multilingual translation. Several agencies have also begun to export their services beyond our borders. But globalization doesn’t only have its good sides, because the competition coming from other countries (particularly emerging countries) is exerting downward pressure on rates. However, the translations that come from these other countries are generally not well suited to the purposes of Quebec. That’s why translation agencies in Montréal must redouble their efforts to demonstrate the added value of their services.

 

The future of translation

Faced with increased competition, translation agencies in Montréal must now stand out with their turnkey offerings and their customer service. “At SLRR Translation Agency, customer service is at the forefront. Our clients are partners with whom we maintain pleasant relationships and build long-term partnerships. Our exemplary customer service is undoubtedly the pillar of our growth,” affirms Raphaële Rinfret, President and Associate at SLRR Translation Agency. In addition, complementary services are now coupled with translation, such as copywriting. Digital technologies are also creating new demands, such as the translation of content for social media and online marketing.

 

Are you looking for translation services in Montréal? Look no further: SLRR Translation Agency has the solution you need!

 

 

Seat of the provincial government, Quebec City celebrated 400 years of rich history in 2008. The largest urban area in eastern Quebec and one of the most prosperous cities in North America, the provincial capital is also the city where SLRR got its start. The city offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation with its various industries. Below, you will find a brief overview of some of the many industries that stand out in the capital. In addition, you will see how translation agencies in Quebec City can support them.

 

Government

The service sector dominates Quebec City’s economy. Within this sector, provincial public service provides many jobs in the capital region, as does the para-public sector of health and social services. Translation agencies in Quebec City have long provided services to both the Quebec government and other levels of Canadian government. The public sector generates a strong demand for administrative and legal translation, among others, and is an important part of translation activity in Quebec City.

 

Insurance and Financial Services

The Greater Quebec City area is home to ten insurance company head offices and is the second-largest hub of the insurance industry in Canada. That is also why Quebec City is called the “insurance capital.” Moreover, several large companies are involved in brokerage activities, credit and financing, wealth management, etc. This is an area that Quebec City translation agencies know well because the demand for financial translation remains strong.

 

The Life Sciences

In addition to the more “traditional” sectors of government services and insurance, the Quebec City region now shows an innovative side thanks to its cutting-edge expertise in areas such as biopharmaceuticals, natural health products and medical technologies. For Quebec City translation agencies, these sectors are a unique opportunity to play a part in this innovation with their scientific and medical translation services as well as multilingual marketing translation services that help these industries reach beyond Quebec’s borders.

 

The Manufacturing Sector

The Quebec City region has many manufacturers of products, such as wood, metal, rubber, plastic and composite materials as well as machinery and transportation equipment manufacturers. This industry benefits from its favourable geographical position and the port of Quebec (the second largest in Canada in terms of tonnage) to distribute its products throughout North America and the rest of the world. For translation agencies in Quebec City, this sector creates a large demand for technical translation services and marketing. With the growing connection of Quebec City’s industries to the rest of the world, multilingual translation is increasingly in demand.

Are you looking for a translation agency in Quebec City that can provide 360^o solutions that meet all your needs? If so, contact SLRR today.

Legal translation is a world of its own in the translation universe. This area of specialization requires skills and knowledge in the fields of both language and law. Here are five components required for a good legal translation:

 

1. Legal translation requires a solid understanding of the language of the law.

Legal language has a unique style that involves a great deal of precision and subtlety. This language is not limited to specialized terms; it also has field-specific turns of phrase and expressions. Translators must know these conventions to produce a clear, accurate legal translation. In addition, translators must know the conventions that apply to different types of documents: contracts, shareholder agreements, judgments, etc.

 

2. Legal translation requires a solid understanding of legal systems.

Translators must know the distinctive aspects of different areas of the law (criminal, commercial, family, international, etc.) and the sources of information that can be consulted for each area. In the Canadian context, translators must understand the country’s two legal systems: the civil law of Quebec and the “common law” of the other Canadian provinces. In an international context, the many agreements and cross-border contracts require translators to know the legal systems and practices of the countries in question and to adapt their translations accordingly.

 

3. A good translation is adapted to the target language’s conventions.

Legal language conventions differ from one language to another. Some degree of adaptation of the text is needed in the target language. The text should be idiomatic, i.e., written in a natural, normal language. In other words, legal translation should not be literal (word-for-word), but rather faithfully reproduce the original text’s meaning in language that seems natural to readers. Above all, legal texts must be clear and free of ambiguities.

 

4. Legal translation requires effective communication between the client and translator.

It is important for clients to explain the context of their requests to the translation agency. The translator needs to know why the document must be translated and who will read it. In general, the same approach is not taken for texts intended for the public as for lawyers specializing in the area. In addition, the customer must work with the translator on issues related to the interpretation and meaning of the source text.

 

5. Sometimes a translation also requires an attestation or certification.

In some contexts, you must obtain what is called a “certified” translation. This is the case, for example, for documents presented as evidence in court or certain documents submitted to government authorities for official purposes, which is another reason to use a professional translation agency for your legal translation needs.

 

Do not hesitate to contact SLRR if you have questions about legal translation. We will be happy to inform and advise you.

 

Are you looking for a preferred partner that can offer you suitable, comprehensive language solutions under one roof? The solution is simple: rely on a professional translation firm that offers 360º or turnkey solutions! Whether you want copywriting, revision, or translation services, or a bit of everything, here’s why it makes sense to rely on a language services firm.

 

1-You have to stand out quickly these days. People are constantly bombarded with information, and their attention is a little less sustained. You need to grab them quickly with clear and concise texts. Your texts must also be of impeccable quality, so that your customers have a positive impression of your company. A translation agency that offers a full range of language services can help you refine all your texts.

 

2-Improving your texts also means improving your brand and your reputation. Get noticed for the right reasons, and not because your texts are of dubious quality. To achieve this, it’s best to rely on the services of a translation agency that offers turnkey services for your website, your marketing documents, your technical texts, and all the rest!

 

3-By doing business with a translation agency offering 360º solutions, you’ll have a professional team at your disposal that will be able to meet the following needs:

Copywriting: Do you know what you want to say, but you don’t really know how to say it? A professional copywriter will be able to put themselves in the readers’ shoes, producing texts that will quickly attract attention and clearly express your message.

Revision: Do you write your texts yourself? Why not ask a reviser to take a second look at them? That way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your text will be flawless in every way.

Translation: Do you want to communicate with customers in more than one language? Avoid the pitfalls of machine translation and opt instead for a recognized translation agency, especially for the multilingual translation of your marketing documents or other texts.

 

4-By doing business with a single professional translation firm that offers 360º solutions, you’ll benefit from significant time savings. You’ll have access to a resource person who will be able to coordinate all your requests. This means you won’t have to make several phone calls, write multiple emails, or explain your needs several times. Furthermore, the agency can coordinate all the different steps (copywriting, revision, translation, etc.) and monitor the deadlines for you.

 

5-Forging a privileged relationship with a team that knows you and understands your goals is the last (but not the least!) reason to do business with a translation agency for all your needs when it comes to language services. You already know: in business, you have to know how to surround yourself with the right people. A professional translation firm offering 360º solutions, like SLRR, can become a valuable ally for your business!

 

SLRR Translation Firm

 

January 19^th is International Popcorn Day! (Yes, you read that right!) Corn is a food that has made itself known far beyond the borders of America. The famous popcorn is now enjoyed all over the world, in movie theatres and elsewhere. Draw some inspiration from the worldwide success of popcorn and break down the boundaries of your markets by making yourself known in multiple languages with the help of a multilingual marketing translation agency. Here are some questions and answers to guide you in your approach.

 

Into which languages should I translate my marketing documents?

The answer to this question depends on which markets you want to access. You should know that even though certain languages are spoken in several countries, local or regional differences can have a significant effect on the impact of your marketing campaigns. In other words, we don’t only translate according to the language spoken in a market, but also according to the local culture. The words that will strike the imagination in one place won’t evoke the same feeling elsewhere.

That’s why it’s important to rely on a multilingual marketing translation agency rather than a machine translation solution. You may consider offering a translated version of your website to each of your major markets. That way, your texts will be more likely to produce the desired effect in different languages.

 

Why do business with a multilingual marketing translation agency?

In marketing, each word is carefully chosen based on the desired effect. In addition, the different parts of a marketing campaign are designed to form a coherent whole. The translators who work on your texts must understand your overall marketing strategy. In many cases, the texts must be adapted rather than translated literally. You therefore need plenty of creativity and know-how to produce translations that are forceful and memorable, hence the importance of doing business with a multilingual marketing translation agency.

 

Why deal with a single agency for all my translation requests?

It can be hard to manage multiple suppliers of translation services scattered across different parts of the globe. A translation agency that offers 360 will be able to understand your needs and is made up of a team of translators who know not only the target languages, but also the cultural customs in the markets you’re targeting. In addition, the agency will be able to coordinate and harmonize the work of the different translators. That means significant time savings for you!

Are you ready to break down boundaries and seize the opportunity to do business around the world? Work with a multilingual marketing translation agency like SLRR for all your documents, and see how we can help you boost your sales!

 

New and improved popcorn

— Send your taste buds on a journey by trying out new seasonings on your popcorn, like Cajun or Tex-Mex-style spices, or give it an Italian touch with finely grated parmesan cheese and dried herbs.

— Turn your popcorn into dessert by adding some caramel (a classic!) or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate and some miniature marshmallows to it. Yum!

 

SLRR Translation Agency

 

 

 

With the new year comes resolutions! This year, make a good business resolution by having your website translated by a recognized translation company. This is an easy resolution to keep that can really pay off for you!

 

The website: A must

eMarketer predicts that, by 2020, online sales in Canada will account for 10% of all retail sales and total $55.78 million. With this e-commerce craze and the presence of new giants like Amazon, it’s obvious that companies are feeling the pressure to make their products available online.

But do you need a website even if you don’t sell products? Yes, of course! According to a survey published in 2016 by the Canadian Internet Registration Authority, 63% of Canadians believe that a company is more credible if it has a website, and 26% even go so far as to say that they don’t trust a company that doesn’t have one.

 

Translating your website: A way to reach new markets

You’ll simply be more likely to conquer new markets if you have your site translated by a translation company. Many internet users perform searches in their language and trust sites with a “local” aspect more than sites that seem “foreign.” And this increased trust often translates into increased sales.

The possibility of attracting new customers alone justifies the investment that you’ll make by doing business with a recognized translation company. But you should also understand that translating your website is a way to connect with your customers by showing them that you understand their reality. That way, you’ll be able to establish a real relationship of trust with them and earn their loyalty.

And for increased visibility, don’t forget that you can also ask the translation company to translate all the content that you post online, such as your Facebook page, your tweets on Twitter, and your blog. This is another way to get even closer to your customers who speak different languages.

 

Localization: The key to optimizing your site

Once you’ve decided to translate your site, you might be tempted to use machine translation software to speed up the process… But this is a serious mistake, especially if you want to maintain your credibility! It’s best to rely on a professional translation agency.

Indeed, it’s not enough just to translate your site into another language. It also has to be “localized.” Localization is the adaptation of a text according to local realities. If the translation is well-adapted to the target market, your site will be optimized for search engines. In other words, it will be more likely to stand out in the searches that Internet users make in their language. And better search engine optimization means more clicks on your site and – therefore – more potential sales.

 

The translation company: The solution you need

You can see how important it is to adapt your site in each language you choose to use. That’s why you need the human touch and the know-how of a translation company that really knows your markets. Contact SLRR to ask for advice or a quote for the translation of your site.

This year, don’t forget your good resolution! Grow your business and increase your sales by having your website translated today!

 

SLRR Translation Agency

Owning a business these days is a complex affair. Business owners have many issues to consider and things to create. Whether a company is new or has years of experience, it must continuously innovate to make its way in the community. By positioning themselves as good corporate citizens, companies can stand out from their competitors and attract a high-quality clientele and workforce.

 

With the goal of increasing its contribution to pediatric care for all children in Quebec, Opération Enfant Soleil has found an innovative way to better position itself in the corporate world and highlight the commitment of specific companies by promoting them to the public. The organization has officially launched the first philanthropic certification in Quebec: ENTREPRISE ENFANT SOLEIL (EES).

 

When philanthropy and marketing go hand in hand

An IPSOS 2017 survey revealed that 84% of consumers are willing to change their shopping habits to choose an equivalent product or service from a socially responsible business. This means that associating philanthropic values with business management can make a real difference both to a business’s public reputation and as a contribution to a cause that affects the entire province.

 

SLRR Translation Firm earns EES certification

Over the years, SLRR Translation Firm has taken on a philanthropic mission that is as important to it as the company’s business mission. With great pride, the organization has decided to earn Entreprise Enfant Soleil certification and become a significant actor within Opération Enfant Soleil. SLRR Translation Firm wants to make a difference in its field of expertise while helping provide better care to sick children in Quebec.

 

What is Entreprise Enfant Soleil certification?

This annual certification allows Quebec businesses to position themselves as good corporate citizens, stand out to the public and from their competitors while concretely demonstrating their commitment to the cause. The certification also prompts companies to put in place tools to mobilize their employees and promote their brands through proven customized support and marketing tools.

 

Being an Entreprise Enfant Soleil is a unique way for us to support a cause that we have taken to heart and join up with a brand that has become a true rallying cry in Quebec. Our translation agency has agreed to provide a minimum of $10,000 in services annually to Opération Enfant Soleil.

— Raphaële Rinfret, President and Associate at SLRR Translation Firm

 

A growing movement

This very first philanthropic certification is the beginning of a new corporate link in Opération Enfant Soleil’s great chain of solidarity. SLRR Translation Agency invites its staff to join them. For information about Entreprise Enfant Soleil certification: www.operationenfantsoleil.ca/ees.

 

About SLRR Translation Agency

SLRR is a people-powered translation firm that maintains strong relationships with its clients. The agency includes high-level professional copywriters, translators, and revisers whose approach draws on expertise and collaboration. Its mission is to make its partners stand out from the competition and enhance the reputation and credibility of their brands. For more information, visit https://traductionslrr.ca/en/.

whose approach draws on expertise and collaboration. Its mission is to make its partners stand out from the competition and enhance the reputation and credibility of their brands. For more information about our translation agency, visit https://traductionslrr.ca/en/.

 

About Opération Enfant Soleil

Opération Enfant Soleil raises funds to support the development of high-quality pediatrics for all sick children in Quebec. Thanks to the money raised, hundreds of projects are undertaken every year in major pediatric centres and hospitals as well as regional organizations. More than 210 million dollars were distributed throughout the province due to the generosity of thousands of Quebecers, volunteer support and the partners’ dedication. For more information, visit https://www.operationenfantsoleil.ca/en/.

 

Tons of articles on snacking content are popping up all over the web. Most specialists claim it’s THE marketing solution to optimize your impact on the web; others, meanwhile, believe it’s a passing fad that doesn’t take the whole picture into account. Let’s quickly define this strategy before exploring its advantages and challenges. Read the article to the end to discover SLRR’s tips for getting the most out of this strategy.

 

Snacking content

This is a marketing strategy that goes hand in hand with the reduction in the attention spans of internet users (12 seconds in 2000 and 8 seconds in 2015, according to a study from Microsoft). It involves frequently posting microcontent that can be consumed quickly at any time of day, much like snacks.

 

Advantages of snacking content

+ Attracts the attention of internet users (8-second attention span);

+ Energizes your content (instant discourse);

+ Creates a feeling of closeness with your community (a friendlier format).

 

Challenges of snacking content

– Doesn’t satisfy the appetite of fans of complete meals;

– It’s easy to fall into superficiality of discourse.

 

Suggestions from SLRR Translation Agency

Vary the length of your content: snacks (short articles, short posts, etc.) and complete meals (more in-depth articles).

Find a way to make connections between your content to make sure you fully explore the different subjects you present in your informal posts.

 

To conclude, as we often hear, “too much is not enough.” Although snacking content seems highly effective, it can turn against you if you don’t adapt it to your target audience. Balance out your informal posts with your in-depth articles to make sure you’re satisfying all types of appetites.

 

Happy creation!

 

SLRR Translation Agency